Laguna Beach residents mourn fallen officer

A handwritten note sits on top of a pile of flowers at the roadside memorial for Laguna Beach police Officer Jon Coutchie at the corner of Cleo Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach on Monday morning. SAM GANGWER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

The Laguna Beach police officer died in a traffic collision at Cleo Street and South Coast Highway on Saturday, steps from Pirozzi's restaurant Mare at the Holiday Inn. Coutchie is the first Laguna Beach police officer to die in the line of duty in 60 years.

“We feel he's right here,” Pirozzi said of the motorcycle officer. “The spirit is right here. We'll always feel close to him, even though we didn't know him personally.”

On Saturday night, Coutchie, 41, was traveling northbound on South Coast Highway in pursuit of a reported speeding motorist when he collided with a pickup truck turning left onto Cleo Street. Coutchie died at the scene. The pickup driver was questioned and released, officials said.

More than 20 bouquets of flowers were huddled Monday near the site of the collision, alongside cards, notes and candles. Floral wreaths stood outside the police station on Forest Avenue and vases lined the counter. Online, Facebook pages memorialize the Dana Point resident and former U.S. Army Ranger, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Many in town know police officers by name; some have their numbers on speed dial. Police officers like Zach Martinez on foot patrol or Community Outreach Officer Jason Farris aim to foster approachability – the former checking on businesses and the latter working with the homeless population.

Tanya Krajina, who lives just up the street from the scene of the accident, said the tragedy is a reminder of the fragility of life and “to appreciate our lives, live in the moment.”

“It's really sad because it's such a small community and I know most of the police officers by sight,” Krajina said.

Wendy Domingo, who works at Plug – a boutique across the street from the site – wondered if the accident would spark a conversation about the intersection that she fears is dangerous due to the unprotected left turns in both directions.

Coutchie completed the police academy in 2009 and became a motorcycle officer six months ago.

Tara Young, Coutchie's girlfriend of six years, said her boyfriend always jumped at calls from the department, eager to serve.

Sunday would have been their day together – a weekly tradition. With his busy schedule, it was sometimes hard to find time – but they made sure to have Sundays.

They had plans for a celebration and upcoming trip in honor of their birthdays – hers is today, his would have been next week. “I feel very fortunate to have loved him,” she said. “I just wish we had more time to do all the things we planned.”

Related Links

A handwritten note sits on top of a pile of flowers at the roadside memorial for Laguna Beach police Officer Jon Coutchie at the corner of Cleo Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach on Monday morning. SAM GANGWER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A woman pauses to read a sympathy card at a roadside memorial for Laguna Beach police Officer Jon Coutchie at the corner of Cleo Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach on Monday morning. SAM GANGWER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A roadside memorial for Laguna Beach police Officer Jon Coutchie at the corner of Cleo Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach draws a steady stream of visitors Monday morning. SAM GANGWER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A man walking his dog pauses to look at the roadside memorial for Laguna Beach police Officer Jon Coutchie on Monday morning. SAM GANGWER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Laguna Beach police Officer Jon Coutchie, 42, was killed in a crash late Saturday. LAGUNA BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
Officials investigate the scene where Laguna Beach motorcycle officer Jon Coutchie was killed Saturday night at the intersection of Cleo Street and South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. The officer broadsided a pickup that pulled in front of him, according to officials. SOUTHERN COUNTIES NEWS SERVICE
Laguna Beach motorcycle officer Jon Coutchie was killed Saturday night at the intersection of Cleo Street and South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach after he broadsided a pickup. SOUTHERN COUNTIES NEWS SERVICE
Tara Young, in black top, receives a hug from her friend Kimberly Milo after arriving to visit the site where the officer died late Saturday night in a crash. STEVEN GEORGES, FOR THE REGISTER
Tara Young gets a hug from a Laguna Beach police officer as they arrived to visit the site where Coutchie was killed on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Cleo Street in Laguna Beach on Saturday night. STEVEN GEORGES, FOR THE REGISTER
A photo of Laguna Beach motorcycle Officer Jon Coutchie is displayed as part of an impromptu memorial set up at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Cleo Street in Laguna Beach where Coutchie was killed in a crash late Saturday night. STEVEN GEORGES, FOR THE REGISTER
Notes of condolences and flowers have been gathering at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Cleo Street in Laguna Beach an officer died Saturday night. STEVEN GEORGES, FOR THE REGISTER
Two Laguna Beach police officers lend each other emotional support Sunday as they came to visit the site where Officer Jon Coutchie was killed at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Cleo Street in Laguna Beach the night before. STEVEN GEORGES, FOR THE REGISTER
Tara Young recieves a hug from a friend as they came to visit the site where Officer Jon Coutchie was killed at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Cleo Street in Laguna Beach the night before. STEVEN GEORGES, FOR THE REGISTER
Two Laguna Beach police officers lend each other emotional support as they came to visit the site where Officer Jon Coutchie was killed the night before. STEVEN GEORGES, FOR THE REGISTER
Laguna Beach police officer, Jon Coutchie wipes his brow in the parking lot of El Morro Elementary School while carrying the Special Olympics Torch during the 2011 torch run. Coutchie, a motorcycle officer, died in crash late Saturday while on duty in Laguna Beach. FILE: MICHAEL GOULDING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Laguna Beach police officer, Jon Coutchie carries the Special Olympics Torch while running with fellow members of the Laguna Beach police, fire and marine safety departments, during the 2011 torch run along Pacific Coast Highway. Coutchie, a motorcycle officer, died in crash late Saturday while on duty in Laguna Beach. FILE: MICHAEL GOULDING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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